St. John Fisher raises $52 million in capital campaign

St. John Fisher has ended its six-year capital campaign by raising more than $52 million, beating its goal of $50 million and laying a path for growth at the college.

St. John Fisher president Donald Bain on Monday evening announced the results of the Vision 2020 Comprehensive Campaign, the largest campaign in the history of the college.

“Vision 2020 was designed as the blueprint for the strategically planned and managed growth of the college; for enhancing the academic programs and facilities; and for strengthening Fisher’s endowment,” he said. “I am pleased to say that we have been successful on all of these fronts.”

St. John Fisher has grown considerably since the campaign started in 2006, college officials noted. It had added the Wegmans School of Nursing, Wegmans School of Pharmacy, Polisseni Track and Field Complex, Joseph S. Skalny Welcome Center, the Fay Building and made enhancements to Dugan Yard, LeChase Commons and Keating Terrace.

More expansion is on the way, with the Victor E. Salerno Center for American Enterprise set to open in fall 2013. The W.J. Pellicano Pavilion is to be added in the 2013-2014 academic year, enhancing the spectator experience at athletic events.

Michael Goonan, the college’s chairman, reflected back on the first capital campaign for St. John Fisher in 1947, when its goal was $1 million.

“The most important similarity between 1948 and today is the confidence that the Rochester community has in the college,” he said. “What we all have in common is a strong belief in this institution and its mission.”